Business Wars Bacardi vs Pernod Ricard | Does Cuba Still Love Havana Club? | 7
Aug 4, 2021
Lillian Guerra, a Cuban-American historian and professor at the University of Florida, dives into the cultural significance of rum in Cuba, focusing on the legendary Havana Club. She unpacks the intense rivalry between Bacardi and Pernod Ricard over the brand, discussing how it reflects broader geopolitical issues. Guerra also explores Cuba's economic struggles post-1959 revolution and the impact of recent protests, showing how social media has empowered voices demanding change. Her insights highlight rum as a symbol of identity and resilience for Cubans.
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Authenticity of Havana Club
- Pernod Ricard argues Havana Club must be made in Cuba to be authentic.
- Bacardi counters, claiming their Puerto Rican-made version is legitimate due to their ownership of the original recipe and Cuban heritage.
Cuban Perspective on Rum Making
- Cubans believe the quality of Havana Club rum hinges on the aging process, specifically the use of old Cuban mahogany barrels.
- Guerra suggests these barrels may not be used in current Havana Club production, but rather for another Cuban rum, Santiago de Cuba.
Significance of Mahogany Barrels
- The use of Cuban mahogany barrels, made from centuries-old trees, holds cultural significance for Cubans.
- These barrels are seen as symbols of Cuban identity and contribute to the perceived quality of the rum.
